Want a way to visit Hamfests around the USA without leaving home?
I discovered virtual hamfests on line last summer of 2020.
I had participated in the QSO Today virtual hamfest in August and on January 23 visited the St Louis and Suburban Radio Club Winterfest. The presentations were great! AND I had a chance to learn something new in the hobby.
The HamCation virtual Hamfest based in Orlando FL had many presentations on: how to, techniques, radios, and radio related gear.
As I find more virtual hamfests I will have links here.
Coiled coax baluns are familiar, but not many hams know how to design them for maximum efficiency. The many designs available online can be confusing, so this presentation will help you learn the following: (1) The main function of a balun; (2) Calculating, and not guessing, at the amount of coax needed; (3) Self-resonance and frequency limitations. The presenter is the February 2021 QST Cover Plaque Award winner for his article "Create Your Own 1:1 Coax Choke Balun." Sponsored by PreppComm.
Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, talk about their experiences with high-altitude balloons, explain how others can get involved in high-altitude balloons, and discuss launching it successfully. Their discussion will include how high-altitude balloons are a great way to involve more youth in ham radio and how they can be a fantastic learning experience for students.
ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings, mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.
The third QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will take place August 14 - 15, with presentations available on demand for 30 days. Sponsors promise "a flawless experience" that will expose visitors to new ideas, equipment, and practical techniques via the vFairs platform used successfully in the first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo in August 2020. Some 80 speakers have been lined up to offer expert knowledge and information for amateurs at all experience levels. A live roundtable video will allow attendees to interact with each other and with exhibitors. ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner. Registration is now under way, and full registration "early bird" tickets are $10. Full registration includes access to the entire Expo, including presentations and the 30-day on-demand period. Free registration includes access to exhibitors, prizes, general lounge, and lobbies. Those who registered for the March Expo already have a free registration for the August Expo.